Book excerpt: VB Programmers: Get in Step with .NET With the introduction of Visual Basic .NET, VB transcends its traditional second-class status to become a full-fledged citizen of the object-oriented programming, letting you access the full power of the Windows platform for the first time. Written bythe author of the best-selling Mastering Visual Basic 6 this all-new edition is the resource you need to make a successful transition to .NET. Comprising in-depth explanations, practical examples, and handy reference information, its coverage includes: Mastering the new Windows Forms Designer and controls Building dynamic forms Using powerful Framework classes such as ArrayLists and HashTables Persisting objects to disk files Handling graphics and printing Achieving robustness via structured exception handling and debugging Developing your own classes and extending existing ones via inheritance Building custom Windows controls Building menus and list controls with custom-drawn items Using ADO.NET to build disconnected, distributed applications Using SQL queries and stored procedures with ADO.NET Facilitating database programming with the visual database tools Building web applications with ASP.NET and the rich web controls Designing web applications to access databases Using the DataGrid and DataList web controls Building XML web services to use with Windows and web applications Special topics like the Multiple Document Interface and powerful recursive programming techniques Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.